Explore the SS Thistlegorm: A Legendary Red Sea Wreck Dive

Resting majestically at the depths of the Gulf of Suez near Shaab Ali lies the SS Thistlegorm, one of the world’s most iconic shipwrecks. This British merchant vessel, built in 1940, was destined to deliver vital military supplies to British forces in Africa during World War II. However, its fate took a dramatic turn on October 6, 1941, when German bombers attacked the ship, causing a catastrophic explosion that sent it to the ocean floor just 5 miles off the Sinai Peninsula.

Today, the SS Thistlegorm wreck is a paradise for divers, offering a hauntingly beautiful underwater museum. Stretching over 120 meters in length, the ship remains remarkably intact, its cargo holds filled with wartime relics – trucks, motorcycles, aircraft parts, ammunition, and armored vehicles – now encrusted with vibrant corals and marine life.

Discovered for recreational diving in the early 1990s, the Thistlegorm wreck has since become one of the top diving sites in the Red Sea, attracting adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Its combination of historical significance, accessible depth, and breathtaking marine biodiversity makes it a must-dive destination for underwater explorers.

Whether you’re a wreck diving enthusiast or a history buff, the SS Thistlegorm promises an unforgettable journey into the past, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Red Sea.

Exploring the SS Thistlegorm Wreck: A Must-Dive Historical Adventure


Diving the legendary SS Thistlegorm is an unforgettable experience, best explored over at least two dives due to its massive size. The first dive allows you to marvel at this underwater giant from the outside, taking in its impressive scale and history.

Wreck Depth & Key Features
Deepest Point: The cantilever sits at 32 meters, while the shallowest section reaches 16 meters, making it accessible for advanced divers.

Historic Locomotive: At 30 meters, you’ll encounter one of the steam locomotives that once traveled aboard the ship—a haunting reminder of its wartime past.

Explosion Aftermath: The vessel split apart due to a massive blast in its ammunition hold, leaving the stern detached and tilted from the main wreck.

Well-Preserved Artifacts
Despite decades underwater, many relics remain intact, including:

The ship’s propeller and rudder

Two anti-aircraft guns

Large-caliber ammunition scattered near the rupture site

Anti-tank mines and overturned Universal Carrier MKII tanks

This WWII time capsule offers divers a rare glimpse into maritime history, blending adventure with historical significance. Whether you’re drawn by its sheer size, wartime relics, or dramatic backstory, the SS Thistlegorm is a bucket-list dive in the Red Sea.

DESCRIPTION:

1 Day – 2 Dives Duration: 05:00 – 17:00 Certified divers only Explore the beauty of Wreck SS Thistlegorm and be amazed by its wonderful marine life.

One day onboard includes two dives with our dive guides. Lunch break between the dives.

INCLUDED:

Lunch, Coffee, Tea, Water & other refreshing beverages included. Vegetarian/Vegan options are also available (please notify staff in advance). Please inform staff before your arrival if you have any allergies we should be aware.

Two tanks air 12L + weights.

Scuba Diving Guide.

Transportation for hotel guests in Hurghada.

What do you need ?

For your Daily Dive experience, you only need to bring your ((Swimsuit and a towel)).

Your diving certification or a photo of your diving certification  

Everything else is provided by us!

SS Thistlegorm Photos

Room Number

For added security, we may ask you to tell us the room number of your hotel. This acts as a secret code between you and the driver. We may also ask for a phone number in case we need further communication with you.

Transportation Time

Transportation time The Transportation time depends on the distance of your hotel and the number of guests. Nevertheless, this will be decided as soon as your reservation is confirmed. In the morning, pick-up is between 04:30 and 04:45. In the afternoon, drop-off is between 17:00 and 19:00.

Book Now

Book Your SS Thistlegorm trip online today

After your booking, we will contact you with information on how to complete your payment, which is the final confirmation of your reservation. You can pay by Visa or Master Card. We accept USD and EUR.

 

 SS Thistlegorm 

Thank you for booking with us

We get back to you as soon is possible